Hey makeup lovers! Today, we're diving headfirst into a lip color that promises long-lasting wear and a stunning matte finish. We're talking about the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in the shade 65 Seductress. This liquid lipstick has gained a cult following for its impressive staying power and bold color payoff. But does it live up to the hype? Let's find out!

What is Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65 Seductress?

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65 Seductress is a liquid lipstick known for its highly pigmented formula and claims of up to 16-hour wear. This product aims to provide a matte finish without compromising comfort. The shade Seductress is a beautiful, muted mauve-nude that is universally flattering, making it a staple in many makeup bags. The Superstay Matte Ink line is famous for its impressive durability, resisting smudging, fading, and transfer, ensuring your lip look stays put throughout the day.

Key Features

• Long-Lasting Formula: One of the primary reasons why this product is so popular is its remarkable staying power. It is designed to last through meals, drinks, and all-day activities, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
• Highly Pigmented: The color payoff is intense. Just one swipe delivers a rich, opaque layer of color that completely covers the lips.
• Matte Finish: For those who love a classic matte look, this lipstick provides a velvety, shine-free finish that enhances the lips' natural shape.
• Unique Applicator: The arrow-shaped applicator is designed for precise application, allowing you to line and fill your lips with ease. This helps in achieving a clean and defined look without the need for additional lip liners.
• Wide Availability: Maybelline products are widely available in drugstores, supermarkets, and online, making it easy to purchase and replenish your favorite shades.

Packaging and Presentation

The Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink comes in a sturdy, color-coded plastic tube that clearly represents the shade inside. The packaging is practical and travel-friendly, fitting easily into any makeup bag. The applicator is uniquely shaped, featuring a pointed tip that allows for precise lining and a flat side for even color distribution. The design ensures minimal product wastage and clean application.

Initial Impressions

Upon first application, the texture feels smooth and creamy, gliding effortlessly across the lips. The pigmentation is immediately noticeable, delivering full coverage with just one layer. The unique applicator design helps in achieving a crisp, defined line, making it easy to create a polished look. The initial scent is slightly sweet but dissipates quickly after application. The formula dries down to a matte finish within a few minutes, leaving the lips feeling slightly tacky but not overly dry. The color Seductress is a stunning mauve-nude that complements a wide range of skin tones, making it versatile for both everyday wear and more glamorous looks.

Application Tips for Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65

To get the most out of your Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65 Seductress, here are some application tips to keep in mind:

Prep Your Lips

• Exfoliate: Start with a smooth canvas by exfoliating your lips to remove any dead skin. This will prevent the lipstick from clinging to dry patches and ensure an even application.
• Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of lip balm and allow it to absorb fully before applying the liquid lipstick. Hydrated lips will prevent the matte formula from feeling overly drying throughout the day.

Application Technique

• Use the Applicator: The unique arrow-shaped applicator is designed for precise application. Use the pointed tip to line your lips, starting from the Cupid's bow and working outwards. Then, use the flat side to fill in the rest of your lips.
• Apply Thin Layers: Avoid applying a thick layer of product, as this can lead to a sticky or uneven finish. Instead, apply a thin, even layer and allow it to dry completely before adding another coat if needed.
• Avoid Rubbing Lips Together: After applying the lipstick, avoid rubbing your lips together. This can disrupt the formula and cause it to become patchy. Allow the product to dry undisturbed for the best results.

Touch-Ups

• Blot Gently: If you need to touch up your lipstick throughout the day, blot your lips gently with a tissue to remove any excess oil or moisture before reapplying. This will help the product adhere better and last longer.
• Apply Sparingly: When reapplying, use a minimal amount of product to avoid buildup. Focus on areas where the color has faded or worn off.

Longevity and Wear Test

Okay, guys, let’s talk about the real test: how long does this lipstick actually last? The Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink claims to offer up to 16 hours of wear, so I put it to the test under various conditions.

Initial Wear

Immediately after application, the lipstick feels comfortable, albeit slightly tacky. The color is vibrant and the matte finish is on point. I went about my day, which included drinking coffee, talking, and some light snacking.

Mid-Day Check-In

After about 4-5 hours, I noticed minimal fading around the inner part of my lips, especially after having a sandwich. However, the color was still largely intact, and there was no significant transfer onto my coffee cup. A quick touch-up was all I needed to restore the initial vibrancy.

End-of-Day Assessment

By the 10-hour mark, the lipstick had faded noticeably, particularly after a full meal. The edges were still defined, but the overall color intensity had diminished. While it didn’t quite make it to the promised 16 hours looking perfect, it still held up better than many other matte liquid lipsticks I've tried. It is important to consider that longevity may vary depending on individual habits and activities.

Transfer Resistance

One of the most impressive aspects of this lipstick is its transfer resistance. Once fully dried, it barely transfers onto cups, utensils, or even skin. This makes it ideal for long days where you don't want to worry about constantly reapplying your lipstick.

Pros and Cons of Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65 Seductress

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65 Seductress:

Pros

• Exceptional Longevity: Lasts for hours with minimal touch-ups.
• Intense Pigmentation: Provides full coverage with just one swipe.
• Transfer-Resistant: Doesn't easily transfer onto surfaces.
• Precise Applicator: The unique applicator ensures easy and accurate application.
• Affordable: Widely available and budget-friendly.
• Flattering Shade: The Seductress shade is universally flattering and suitable for various occasions.

Cons

• Can Be Drying: May feel slightly drying on the lips, especially with prolonged wear.
• Tacky Texture: May have a slightly tacky feel immediately after application.
• Difficult to Remove: Requires a good makeup remover for complete removal.

How to Remove Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65

Given its staying power, removing Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink requires a bit of effort. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Oil-Based Makeup Remover

• Apply Generously: Saturate a cotton pad with an oil-based makeup remover. Oil-based removers are most effective at breaking down the long-lasting formula.
• Press and Hold: Press the cotton pad firmly against your lips and hold for about 20-30 seconds. This allows the remover to penetrate the lipstick.
• Gently Wipe: Gently wipe away the lipstick, avoiding harsh rubbing. Repeat if necessary until all the product is removed.

Coconut Oil

• Apply a Thin Layer: If you don't have an oil-based makeup remover, coconut oil can work as a natural alternative. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your lips.
• Massage Gently: Gently massage the oil into your lips for about a minute to break down the lipstick.
• Wipe Off: Use a soft cloth or cotton pad to wipe off the oil and lipstick. Rinse with warm water if needed.

Lip Scrub

• Exfoliate Gently: After removing the majority of the lipstick, use a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate any remaining residue. This will also help to remove any dryness or flakiness.
• Moisturize: Finish by applying a hydrating lip balm to replenish moisture and keep your lips feeling soft and smooth.

Alternatives to Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65 Seductress

If you're looking for similar lipsticks with slightly different features, here are a few alternatives to consider:

L'Oréal Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick

• Lightweight Formula: Known for its ultra-thin, lightweight formula that feels comfortable on the lips.
• Similar Shade Range: Offers a variety of nude and mauve shades that are comparable to Seductress.
• Long-Lasting: Provides good staying power, although it may not last as long as the Superstay Matte Ink.

NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

• Creamy Texture: Features a creamy, suede-like texture that is comfortable to wear.
• Vibrant Colors: Available in a wide range of vibrant and unique colors.
• Decent Longevity: Offers decent staying power, although it may require more frequent touch-ups.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip

• Affordable: Budget-friendly option with a wide range of shades.
• Highly Pigmented: Delivers intense color payoff with a matte finish.
• Long-Wearing: Known for its long-wearing formula, although it can be quite drying.

Final Verdict

So, is Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 65 Seductress worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely! Its impressive longevity, intense pigmentation, and transfer-resistant formula make it a standout product in the world of liquid lipsticks. While it may be slightly drying for some, proper lip preparation and moisturizing can easily combat this issue. The Seductress shade is a beautiful, versatile nude that complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a staple for everyday wear. If you're looking for a long-lasting, matte lipstick that won't break the bank, this is definitely one to try.

Whether you're heading to a meeting, a date, or just running errands, this lipstick will keep your pout looking polished and perfect all day long. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy Lippie Day!